Written answers

Thursday, 22 May 2025

Department of Rural and Community Development

Men's Sheds

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Photo of Grace BolandGrace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will support the development of a national governing body for Women’s Sheds similar to the Irish Men’s Shed’s Association to ensure that Women’s Sheds can have equal access to grant funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25825/25]

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding to Women’s (Sister) Sheds under various funding supports, including:

  • The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 which allowed Women’s Sheds to apply for running costs as well as small capital works for the purchase of equipment for their facilities. LEP 2025 has recently closed for applications.
  • The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028 also provides supports to Women’s Sheds. This support is still available through SICAP.
  • The LEADER programme where funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities but is focused on a thematic approach to rural development. Women’s Shed may be eligible to apply.
I am very aware of the growing interest in Women's Sheds and would urge them to work together with the goal of organising an national group or network, similar to the Irish Men's Shed Association (IMSA). As Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under an overall organisation, my Department is unable to provide funding similar to that previously provided to Men’s Sheds via the IMSA. However, officials in my Department along with colleagues in the Department of Health are currently liaising with members of the National Forum of Women’s Sheds to arrange a meeting to discuss how they might be supported in setting up a national organisation similar to the Irish Men’s Shed Association.

I would encourage all Women’s Sheds to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd , and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.

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